A TEAM FULL OF RESERVES WAS BEATEN BY A RAMPANT LEVANTE

A bitter defeat in Copa del Rey

Ernesto Valverde presented a line-up full of reserves against Levante in the first leg of the Copa del Rey last 16

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Leo Messi, Gerard Piqué, Ivan Rakitic, Marc-André ter Stegen and Jordi Alba did not go to Levante for the last 16 first leg match. However, Ernesto Valverde might need Messi for the second leg because the team need to overcome.

The coach presented a team full of reserves. Specially in the back line, where Semedo, Murillo, Chumi and Miranda were the unexpected defense. It was Murillo's debut, and he was not lucky. Although there were important players as Busquets, Coutinho or Dembélé playing, Levante was rampant and they got an early lead from a heading by Cabado. It was just the 3rd minute. They did not slacken and kept creating chances. During the first 20 minutes, Jasper Cillessen denied many goals for Levante. However, the Dutch could not avoid the second by Borja Mayoral.

During the finals minutes of the first half, Barça awoke and specially Malcom could scored in two chances. On the second half, Valverde bring in Denis Suárez. The Galician, who would leave Barça because of the lack of minutes, was the best player and he won a penalty. Coutinho did not miss the chance and scored the 2-1. At least, if the team play with more intensity, Barça can overcome the qualifying round.